Big surge in Triple Crowns this year?

Before the start of this season, there were, if I'm not mistaken, 48 Triple Crown swimmers.

With a couple of month's swimming this year still left, it seems like at least 10 people have already joined the ranks, including a few forum members, ( @ssthomas, @swimforever, @swimjim, not to mention the forum members who are already Triple Crowns). I personally know at least two more people (from Ireland) aiming for it this year. We have a few more of us on the forum with two of the three done.

What has brought this increase in popularity about? Can it continue at the same rate? Is it an arbitrary grouping? Why two US swims and not something like Gibraltar, Rottnest or Cooke, instead of MIMS or Catalina? Any other thoughts about the TC? (No disrespect to any TCers intended)

The story I have heard is that a swimmer who had done Catalina and EC proclaimed 'Triple Crown' when he finished MIMS and the term stuck. Steve Munatones has a huge list of 'triple' crown swims so there is something for everyone.

I've heard from a good source that the Triple Crown was created by Morty in a plot to take over the marathon swimming world.

Personally, i don't think it's fair to call it that when none of them are in the Southern Hemisphere. I think it should be 3 channels: English, Catalina & Cook. I'd love to do Cook, but I don't think it's feasible for me. Another good reason to include it. It keeps the riff-raff like me out.

@bobswims - You're a great swimmer sir; Cook Strait is def within your grasp! If you want it, sign up and make it happen! I know you can do it...@loneswimmer - TC is a challenge, and people are always up for a challenge! With the sport blowing up as it is, TC is a great way to see what you are made of.. Now those Oceans Seven competitors, they are just crazy ;)

Thanks Darren. I took a ferry across the channel in 1979. It was spectacular. Swimming across it would be amazing. However, It is a fairly expensive trip. In addition I have fooled my wife into thinking that after EC and Santa Barbara next year I am going to back off the big ones. Leslie Thomas has encouraged me to do it after I mentioned it privately to her, but she almost let it slip out when she was at my house after the Portland Bridge Swim.

Stuff the triple crown, my dream has always been to age up during a swim. No talent required except for knowing my own birthday. Wherever I am, I plan to do this by swimming overnight June 4-5 in 2014 when I move to the 45-49 age group. It will be sanctioned by the sport of swimming and CoCMSA.

Stuff the triple crown, my dream has always been to age up during a swim. No talent required except for knowing my own birthday. Wherever I am, I plan to do this by swimming overnight June 4-5 in 2014 when I move to the 45-49 age group. It will be sanctioned by the sport of swimming and CoCMSA.

Sort of in this vein, I'm training for a marathon (the dry variety) three days after my 50th birthday. I figure I'll be the youngest guy in my age group, so I'll have to win, right?